SHRINKS NEED NOT APPLY

Bob Ctvrtlik, captain of the U.S. men’s volleyball team, credited a team meeting for the strong American debut Sunday in a three-game sweep of Poland.

Ctvrtlik, in his third Olympics, said the team was tight and practicing poorly until it met with advisor Chuck Johnson before its final pre-tournament practice.

“There were a lot of things we were having to adjust to, and we just needed to talk about some of them,” Ctvrtlik said.

For example: “It’s not easy having five or six armed guards on your bus with you and state troopers in front of you and on the side and a helicopter above your head wherever you go.”

After the meeting, the United States had a high-intensity practice, then a good outing against Poland.

Asked if Johnson was a sports psychologist, Ctvrtlik added:

“The women’s team has a psychologist. We just have a guy

who can get guys to talk to each

other.”